Author Archives: ljsdas@guest.arnes.si

The frequent confusing of “depressing” and “depressive” is depressing and it will soon turn us into depressives. In plain English: “depressing” is the (oft-used) adjective, “depressive” the (seldom-used) noun. If you want to say you’re feeling a little down or … Continue reading →

Do not mix up “motive” and “motif.” In English, a “motive” is what compels you to commit a crime. A “motif” is a recurring idea or image in a work of literature (or a thrice-heard theme in music). Because “motif” … Continue reading →

E-mails are both difficult and easy to write. You know why they are easy to write, but why are they difficult? That’s a topic for an MA thesis (“Bad E-Mails: When Technology Meets Old Epistolary Conventions”). When writing emails in … Continue reading →

Here’s the first of a series of language tips (prepared by Jason Blake and Monika Kavalir): Especially in formal writing, avoid using “way” as a synonym for “very.” Consider this example: “This is because the alloy has a distinct appearance … Continue reading →